Commission Tasks Governors on Financial Autonomy for State Legislatures

The National Assembly Service Commission (NASC) has called on state governors yet to implement financial autonomy for state legislatures to do so by enacting the enabling laws.

This is contained in a communique issued at the end of the 9th National and States Assembly Service Commissions Conference held in Abuja on Friday.

The conference was organised by the National Assembly Service Commission (NASC).

The communique was signed by the Executive Chairman of the Commission, Mr Ahmed Amshi.

The communique reads: “The Conference called on State Governors that are yet to implement the financial autonomy to States Legislatures (as guaranteed by the Nigerian 1999 Constitution) to do so by enacting the enabling laws.

“Those that have enacted should ensure the release of funds to the commissions for smooth and efficient operations;

“Also, Proper synergy, lobbying and good working relationship within the legislative and executives to enhance release of fund after approval from time to time in the states where autonomy is no fully practiced;

“Leveraging on improved relationship with the executive arm to access funds from donor agencies and other grants in aids to democratic countries of the world.

“For example, grants funding and resources in the areas of democratic and good governance.”

“There is the need to vigorously pursue the unification of the laws establishing State Assembly Service Commissions to be inline with that of the National Assembly Service Commission for smooth operations.”

It further stated that the NASC and States Assembly Service Commissions (SASCS) should interface with Forum of Speakers in a bid to make them understand the need for unified laws that applies to both NASC and SASCS.

Lateefah Ibrahim